A tribute to the father of Black Consciousness

The 16^th June Soweto uprising is a very significant day for South Africans. On this day in 1976 learners mobilized by the South African Student Movement supported by the Black Conscious Movement, marched against government directives. Who knew that the language of Afrikaans would be the driving force behind a lifetime commemoration?

This day is very important and symbolic. It is important because it reminds South Africans about the place of the black man in the Apartheid era. It is also symbolising unity and a zealous spirit in the young people. To have history record young of people taking a stand in the Apartheid era is admirable and unimaginable.

Reflecting on black consciousness in “I write what I like-Steve Biko page 52-53”

Black man do not forget your place!

“Black consciousness is being black not a matter of pigmentation, being black reflects a mental attitude”.

“Merely by describing yourself as black you have started on a road towards emancipation, you have committed yourself to fight against all forces that seek to use your blackness as a stamp that marks you out as a subservient being”.

“Black consciousness, therefore, takes cognisance of deliberateness of God’s plan in creating black people. It seeks to infuse the black community with a new-found pride in themselves, their efforts, their value systems, their culture, their religion, and their outlook to life”.

On varies occasions “black” is known to have a negative connotation. This has been associated with disregard. For years being black has been a disadvantage economically, socially, and politically.  On occasions such as these I am reminded of Steve Biko. Biko gave black consciousness a lasting place in society and a community. This community requires long lasting emancipation of mental liberation and unlearning systems.

Black consciousness is the ability to remain cognisant of your place in society. To consistently conscientize yourself with the environment and how it contributes to informing your perceptions. Black consciousness is the ability to liberate yourself mentally because of the past, present and future. Black consciousness is a responsibility.

It is community that reaches other communities.

A tribute to the father of black consciousness and a happy 16^th June. This day is no ordinary day and will never be. This is a reminder that young people do also have a place in society, they just need to be inspired in the right direction.